Central Asian adventures

Day 2: Bishkek
Reception at the airport and transfer to the city (arrival on Sunday, approx. 50min). Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, is built at the foot of the mountains on the edge of the Kazakh plain. Quiet morning, to recover from the fatigue of the trip. In the afternoon, while strolling through its wide shaded streets, we get to know the population of the city, partly Kyrgyz and partly Russian. Stroll through the bazaars, meeting point for all the peoples of Central Asia. Night in an inn (740m above sea level).

For the first stage of the trek, we enter the small valley of Toragir, first walking along the stream in the heart of the forest. Then the valley opens up and allows us to have a view of the peaks. 4 hours of walking, altitude difference +400m. Tented camp (2300m).

Day 4: Kol Toeur Lake
A succession of small valleys allows us to reach a ridge that overlooks the Chon Kemin Valley, with the background of the peaks of more than 4000 m on the border with Kazakhstan. Descent to the superb Kol Toeur lake below. 4-5 hours of walking, altitude difference +400m/-250m. Camp in a tent around 2450m.

Day 5: Col Toeur
After leaving Kol Toeur Lake behind us, climb to Col Toeur (3230m, 3 hours of walking). Vegetation is becoming rarer, we are in the field of chamois, ibex and edelweiss. Descent from the Toeur Valley where the first yurt camps appear, with herds of horses and sheep. 6 hours of walking, altitude difference +800m/-500m. Tented camp (2700m).

Kayaking on Issyk Kul Lake (3 days)

Day 6: Kayaking on Issyk Kul Lake - Tyup Bay - 1st kayaking day
We reach our yurt camp which is located a few meters from Issyk Kul Lake (3 hours drive). The site is superb. After a reminder of sea kayaking techniques, departure for 3 hours of navigation in the afternoon. Yurt camp.

Day 7: Kayaking to Karakol - 2nd day of kayaking
First day of coastal kayaking on the lake to the large bay of Karakol. Pearl of Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 1610m, Issyk Kul is the second largest high-altitude lake in the world (after Lake Titicaca). Approximately 4 to 5 hours of navigation. Night in a bivouac.

Day 8: Kayaking to Karakol - 3rd day of kayaking
Last day of coastal kayaking on the lake to the large bay of Karakol. Approximately 4 to 5 hours of navigation. Night in a guest house.

Day 9: Karakol Tour
Located in a region formed by lakes (near Lake Issyk-Kul) and mountains with snowy peaks, Karakol is located and the Altyn Arashan Valley. This valley is an ideal starting point for numerous mountain excursions. This morning we are visiting the charming city of Karakol, its bazaar, its beautiful Orthodox cathedral and its Dungan Mosque.
In the afternoon, visit the Ella Maillart Museum and the Aksuu hot spring.
TREK in the Valley of Flowers (2 days)
Night in a guest house or transfer at the end of the day to Jety Oguz.

Day 10: The Valley of Flowers
Transfer to the Jety Oguz Valley (approx. 1h30 away). Day of hiking to the “Valley of Flowers”, a vast grassy area at the foot of the imposing north face of Oguz Bashy Peak (5168m). On our way, yurt camps are set up in the mountain pastures for the summer. 6-7 hours of walking, altitude difference +400m/-400m. Tented camp or yurt depending on availability (2300m).

Day 11: Kyzyl Suu
Hike across the Djety Oguz valley to Kyzyl Suu valley, in hilly terrain between forest and canyons. Lake Issyk Kul is below, offering a beautiful range of landscapes. 5-6 hours of walking, altitude difference +600m/-300m. Camp on the banks of the river (2200m).

Mountain bike discovery (3 days)

Day 12: Mountain biking in Skaska Canyon
Transfer to the village of Tosor by the lake (1h30). We get on our bikes and drive 8km along the banks of Lake Issyk Kul. Then we take the south-facing track which allows us to gain altitude differences, 1.5 hours of effort before arriving on the plateau downstream of the coniferous forests. Approximately 40 km, 4 hours of mountain biking. Night in a tent camp near the village of Janet Bulak.

Day 13: Mountain biking to the village of Kokbulak
We drive on the plateau before going down to the village of Bakonbaevo. After a stop at the bazaar, we leave in the direction of Kokbulak. Climb for 5km before pedaling again on a plateau. We will stop at a renowned Berkoutchy (eagle breeder). Approximately 30km, 4 to 5 hours of mountain biking. Night in a camp in a tent or in a yurt depending on availability.

Day 14: Mountain biking in Ak Say Canyon
Departure by mountain bike to gain altitude (+500m) to pass Ton. Panoramic view, downstream of the track, of the yurt camps, the herds of sheep and mares. Then descent to the plateau where we cross small villages, before diving to the superb Ak Say canyon and Issyk Kul Lake. Finally, 10km in an impressive labyrinth! Swimming on the program at the end of the day. Approximately 30km, 5 hours of mountain biking. Lakeside camp.

Day 15: Bishkek
Last transfer to reach the Kyrgyz capital (260km, 6-7 hours drive). Overnight in a hostel.

The course of this program is given for information purposes only. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).